The music industry is fast-paced, fickle, and ultracompetitive. Musical tastes change, hits grow stale, and new tastes and technologies supersede the old. Promoters “are always looking for the hottest new sound”, says social-media expert Kelli S. Burns. But turning that “sound” into a hit is not easy. “A lot of kids dream of becoming recording stars… but it’s often a long, tough road between the dream and the recording contract.” says an industry guidebook,-See the box “Changes inthe Music Industry.” On Page 6.
PUTTING WORDS INTO MUSIC
Songwriter (1) aim to write lyrics that touch people’s emotions-that resonate with their hopes, dreams, and deepest feelings. What is the most popular theme? You guessed it-love. Songwriters also try to create melodies with a hook, a catchy musical phrase that grabs the listener’s attentionand lingers in the mind.
Next, the songwriter usually makes a pilot recording, or demo, of the song. If the recordingcompany executives think that the song is marketable, they may offer the artiste a recording contract (2). But if they have reservations about the singer (perhaps he or she is not well-known), they may buy the song for an established artiste to perform.
INTO THE STUDIO
To oversee the recording process (3), record companies usually hire an experienced producer. He approves the song and style. He also hires and supervises the recording studio, music arrangers, copyists, musicians, backup vocalists, recording engineers, and equipment needed to produce a professional and salable product.
Most recordings are assembled step-by-step, often beginning with drums, guitar, bass, and keyboard. Later, lead vocals, harmonies, instrumental solos, and any special sound effects are added and mixed to produce a master digital recording (4).
MARKETING
To promote their products, record companies often produce music videos (5). These three- to five -minute films may provide some of the excitement of a live show and give artistes media exposure. They may also generate significant income in their own right.
Recording artistes consistently sell more albums in areas where they give live performances (6). So they often promote a new album by going on tour and putting on concerts. Most artistes also create a personal website (7) complete with music samples, photos, videos, personal blog, and news of upcoming concerts, as well as links to fan clubs, pages and, most important, to online music stores.
The most important is who determines if a song will be a hit? Ultimately, it is you-the listener. On what basis, then, do you choose your music? Is it just the sound or the artist, or do values also influence your choices? These are important questions, for music has power and can influence us on the deepest levels.